113 - Trauma & Nervous System with Kolbjørn Vardal

Trauma is much more than a distressing event from the past. It
can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, shape our
relationships, influence our sense of safety, and affect our
body, emotions, and behavior.


In this episode, I speak with Norwegian trauma therapist Kolbjørn
Vardal about modern trauma therapy, the neurobiology of trauma,
and the principles of Relational Trauma Therapy.


We discuss how trauma develops, why it is not the event itself
but the individual’s experience and processing of it that
matters, and how relationships play a central role in healing and
recovery.





In this episode, we discuss:


What trauma means from a neurobiological perspective


The role of safety, attachment, and co-regulation


Developmental trauma and relational trauma


How trauma affects the body and nervous system


Hypervigilance, dissociation, and protective survival responses


Why many symptoms were originally adaptive survival strategies


The importance of relationships in trauma therapy


The principles and practical application of Relational Trauma
Therapy


Trauma, chronic stress, and physical health complaints


Pathways toward self-regulation, resilience, and recovery


Why this topic matters


Trauma affects far more people than many realize. Its
consequences often extend beyond psychological symptoms and can
manifest as chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety,
emotional dysregulation, and difficulties in relationships.


A deeper understanding of the connection between trauma, the
brain, and the nervous system can help clinicians, patients, and
families better understand symptoms and discover new pathways
toward healing.


Kolbjørn Vardal combines modern insights from neurobiology,
attachment theory, and trauma therapy with years of clinical
experience, offering a profound perspective on the role of safe
relationships in creating lasting change.





Learn more about Kolbjørn Vardal


Website:⁠https://www.relationaltraumatherapy.com⁠





Podcast Partner


Universität Konstanz - Bachelorstudiengang Motorische
Neurorehabilitation 


Infos unter: ⁠⁠www.neuroreha-studieren.de⁠⁠


Bewerbungen über die ⁠⁠Plattform ZEuS⁠⁠ der Uni
Konstanz  





Gottfried Gutmann Academy


www.gga-hamm.de





Contact


Ferdinand Hardinghaus – Physiotherapist, MSc Physiotherapy
(cand.)


Instagram:@the.brainhealth.physio


Podcast:Physio.Podcast


Meditations and resources for nervous system regulation, sleep,
pain management, and brain health: the.brainhealth.physio





Dr. Fabian Moll – Physiotherapist, OMPT, Neuroathletics
Practitioner


Instagram:@physio.consult


www.fabianmoll.de⁠